How To: Become A Movie Extra

get to work on set

Once you've landed your first movie extra gig, you need to prepare yourself for the action. Here are some tips on how you should act.

Prepare to be an extra If the casting agency requests that you bring your own clothes, bring several sets in the style that they request, such as business, casual or otherwise. A wardrobe person will choose the most appropriate garb. As you might be working up to a 12-hour day, bring reading materials or playing cards with you. You'll spend most of your time sitting around waiting for your scene.

Enjoy the perks Once you're on the set, you're privy to a first-hand look at how a movie is made. You can expect plenty of good snacks all day and a hearty meal every six hours. You might even get picked out of the crowd by the director and given a featured extra role (next to the star) or even a small speaking role.

Meet the stars If you're really lucky, you might end up chatting with a movie star. I've been an extra in several films and the highlight was meeting Jack Nicholson on the set of Hoffa. I went to use a Porta Potti, which was occupied. To my surprise, Jack Nicholson exited the john. I was shocked to see him and said, "Hey, Jack, you use the same bathrooms as us?" He laughed and responded, "What d'ya think son, they got a toilet made of gold, just for me?"

movie set don'ts

On a movie set, there are formal and informal rules you need to follow if you want to remain on the set:

Don't talk to the star, unless the star talks to you first.

Don't bother crew members trying to do their jobs.

Don't take pictures on the set. Oftentimes, studios want to keep sets and their corresponding scenes a secret.

Be quiet on the set.

Don't sneak booze onto the set.

Don't look into the camera during filming.

Don't smile or laugh, unless you're instructed to do so.

Don't wander around the set. Sets are hazardous, with hot lights and dangerous equipment.

making money

Extra payday While you shouldn't expect to make big bucks working as an extra, you will earn some decent money. The day rate varies from film to film. Most big-budget studio films, in contrast to low-budget independent films, will pay union rates for extras. The current SAG union day rate is $115 U.S. for an extra. As mentioned previously, don't be concerned about being a SAG member — but if you happen to be one, you'll probably earn more.

Remember those special skills I mentioned earlier? Special-ability extras are paid up to $130. Examples of a special ability would be mastery of a musical instrument or talent in a skill sport. You'll receive a check, minus a 10% to 15% commission that the casting agent usually takes from your gross pay.

Extra pay bumps"Bumps" are pay allowances for special circumstances. For instance, you'll typically get a pay increase for hazardous conditions, defined as working in wet, snowy or smoky conditions. You'll usually also get a bump for bringing your own wardrobe or uniform. Bringing along special-ability props like a skateboard, golf clubs or a musical instrument could lead to a bump too.

working as an extra

So, now you know what you need to do to be a movie extra. If you've ever wondered what it would be like, I recommend you give it a shot. At the very least, you'll likely end up with an experience you'll never forget. At best, you'll be blazed across the big screen for all your buddies and the babes to see.